Windhoek Observer – Page 389 – Windhoek Observer

31 Oct

92 pedestrians lost their lives this year

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police expressed deep concern over the escalating number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries resulting from vehicle accidents. Statistics shared by the police on Thursday revealed that 92 pedestrians have lost their lives between January and September 2024. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, said the rise in these tragic incidents, particularly those leading to culpable homicide charges, is posing a severe threat to road safety. She indicated that the Oshana region reported the highest number of fatalities, followed by the Ohangwena and Kavango East regions. The Khomas region saw a…

31 Oct

UPM seeks God’s healing

National News

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), Jan van Wyk, has announced the party list for prospective parliamentary candidates under the theme, “God heal our land.” He said Namibia has been struggling for 34 years, citing time for making a call to God for the healing of the damages. “Namibia, I greet you in the name of God Almighty! The UPM is to contest this year’s election under the theme “God heal our land." As we have been struggling for 34 years, the message is clear. We need to turn back to the Lord,” said van Wyk.…

31 Oct

Police hunt for a mother in connection with baby’s death

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in Walvis Bay requested the public to assist them in tracing the whereabouts of 24-year-old Ashley Mudimu, who is suspected of killing her three-month-old baby daughter. Mudimu, a Zimbabwean national, went missing after the body of the little girl was found by members of the Namibian Navy while on patrol behind their base on Wednesday. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the police’s community affairs division in the Erongo region, the body of the baby was found in a shallow grave on the beach next to the country’s main naval base. “The…

31 Oct

Blueberry farming transforms Divundu’s job market

National News

Martin Endjala In Divundu, a rural settlement in Namibia's Kavango East region where employment opportunities are scarce, the Namibia Berries project by venture capital firm Loxworth Capital has brought newfound hope to local residents by creating much-needed jobs and skill development opportunities. Regina Muyenga, a young graduate in early childhood development, is among the workers at the berry farm. Muyenga shared how the project has provided her with stable employment, enabling her to support her family. “I was unable to find work. Many young people in Divundu do not have jobs and when I saw the chance, I took it,”…

31 Oct

Auditor General gives intelligence service a clean audit

National NewsJunias Kandjeke

Allexer Namundjembo Auditor General Junias Kandjeke has reported that the Namibia Central Intelligence Service received a satisfactory audit opinion. Kandjeke confirmed he audited the Namibia Central Intelligence Service's financial statements for the year ending 31 March, as submitted by the service’s accounting officer. “In my opinion, the financial statements of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service as of 31 March this year are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the State Finance Act of 1999 (Act 31 of 1991),” Kandjeke said. He said that the audit followed the International Standards for Supreme Audit Institutions. “My responsibilities under those standards…

31 Oct

Onesi SSS to Host “Go Hard or Go Home” annual sports tournament

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Onesi Senior Secondary School will host its annual tournament in February 2025. Rauna Haulu, the school’s sports director, announced this on Thursday. Haulu said the tournament is not just an event but a celebration of the school’s spirit. “Next year’s tournament will feature a variety of sports, including soccer (male and female), volleyball, and netball, ensuring there’s something for everyone,” she said. Haulu further added that the tournament is open to nearby schools and regions, and they are urged to register for participation. “‘Registration is open up until 7 February 2025 and the draw will be done on…

31 Oct

NamPol set to strictly enforce noise pollution regulations

National News

Niël Terblanché As Namibian students gear up for their final exams, the Namibian Police issued a strict warning to the public to adhere to regulations limiting noise pollution and controlling alcohol sales. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division in a statement on Thursday said that with the focus and academic performance of students of all ages on the line, the police are determined to create a conducive environment for studying by strictly enforcing the Liquor Act of 1998 and other public disturbance by-laws. Shikwambi stressed the importance of a quiet and safe atmosphere, not…

31 Oct

Plans to draw water from Okavango intensify

Observer Money

The Kavango Link project, approved by Cabinet in early 2024, has reached an advanced planning stage, with engineering design work underway and environmental assessments soon to begin. The initiative aims to secure a steady water supply for central Namibia by channeling water from the Okavango River to Windhoek and other high-demand areas. NamWater anticipates that, barring setbacks, water could flow to the Central Area of Namibia by 2027. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, outlined progress on the ambitious N$7 billion Kavango Link Project Observer Money (OM): What is the current status of the proposed Okavango Link to supply the Central Area…

31 Oct

Environment ministry cautions against protected tree harvesting

National News

Stefanus Nashama The deputy minister of environment, forestry, and tourism, Heather Sibungo, has reiterated that cutting down protected tree species requires an official permit from the directorate of forestry. She emphasised that large-scale or commercial tree harvesting is a listed activity under the Forest Act and mandates an environmental clearance certificate. “Cutting down trees needs a permit in line with the Forest Act. Stakeholders are therefore requested to apply for permits before any tree is cut down,” she stated. Sibungo was responding to Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker, Hidipo Hamata, who last month questioned if the ministry provides an environmental…

31 Oct

MTC and MVA Fund bring hope to Kavango East rural learners

National News

Niël Terblanché MTC and the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund have made a lasting impact on rural education by donating three new classrooms to the Zadang Primary School in the Kavango East region. The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Faustina Caley, Kavango East Education Director Christine Shilima along with representatives from MTC and the MVA Fund inaugurated the new infrastructure on Wednesday. This initiative is part of MTC's Rural Schools Project, aiming to create sustainable education in remote areas. Until now, the school’s 31 students faced challenging conditions, learning in a makeshift open-sided structure. Deputy Minister Caley stressed…